Chapter 5 The Win-win Situation PART 1

Cordelia glanced at the message, feeling a bit uneasy about what mischief Benedict was up to this time. She replied with a smiley face emoji, [Okay.] On the stage, the professor assigned a team project, requiring students to form pairs and complete a research report. "Last time, Joseph missed his homework due to filming. Any volunteers to team up with him?" Cordelia, packing her things, hummed in her mind, wondering who would want to collaborate with this pampered guy. It was certainly not her... Suddenly, a handsome face leaned sinisterly close to Cordelia's ear. Joseph, with a creepy tone, said, "Cordelia, there's a caterpillar on you." "Ah!" Startled, Cordelia jumped from her chair, frantically patting her clothes. "Where's the caterpillar?" She had been afraid of flying and crawling insects since childhood. The professor, nodding in approval, stated, "Even though Cordelia's assignments are well done, they've all been completed alone. Taking this chance to develop teamwork skills would be a good choice. Why don't you partner with Joseph for this?" "Oh, Professor, I don't want to be in a group with him..." Cordelia was almost jumping with impatience. Ignoring her protests, the stern professor packed up and left. Joseph, wearing a flawless and arrogantly confident smile, mocked. "Cordelia, let's enjoy our collaboration!" Cordelia looked at the smug Joseph beside her and only then realized she had been played by him. "What collaboration! You just want to make trouble for me." Cordelia clenched her fists, pouting. Joseph, abusing his status, aimed to make Cordelia the school's enemy among female students. Cordelia packed up and sneaked out of the classroom like a cat, but Joseph's crazy fans spotted her. "Cordelia, you're shameless. What qualifications do you have to team up with Joseph?" "I told you before. She deliberately bickers with Joseph to get his attention." "Cordelia, you wait. Since you dare to compete with us for Joseph, we won't let you off!" Ignoring them, Cordelia dashed toward the exit. Back at the Radcliffes' Manor, two hours had passed. Benedict sat on the sofa, exuding a cold and proud aura. Seeing Cordelia happily entering, he coldly remarked, "It's only a half-hour journey from your school back here. Are you deliberately ignoring Grandpa's words?" Cordelia approached Archibald, behaving obediently. Even if she neglected him, Archibald wouldn't scold her. "No, I'm not. I took the bus to the intersection and walked back." The area was a villa district, and outside cars weren't allowed, hence the long journey. Archibald, concerned, pulled her hand and sat her down. "Why didn't you call Benedict to pick you up?" Cordelia lightly chuckled, not daring to let him pick her up. It would be considered good if he didn't kick her out. Muttering to herself, she retorted to Benedict's mocking words. "How would he be so considerate?" Richard, standing aside, widened his eyes in shock. Cordelia dared to complain about Benedict... She surely hadn't experienced Benedict's methods yet! 'Mrs. Radcliffe, brace yourself!' Richard wondered. Benedict's expression changed, his gaze sharp, as if he could devour her. Cordelia met his eyes, carefree. "I'm sorry, Mr. Radcliffe. If I hurt you with anything I said, please let me know, and I'll be careful next time." If not for Archibald being present, Benedict would surely have strangled her. Archibald admired Cordelia's courage. In his view, married life should be lively with occasional quarrels, adding vitality to the relationship. Benedict was always gloomy and lacked liveliness. Having such a lively wife was wonderful.